Colorful festive lanterns have been lit up at Yu Garden. The event attracts millions of visitors each Chinese New Year and will last till February 22.
Thirty-nine installations(装置）come alive at 5:30 p. m. every evening. The major draw is a 9-meter-tall pig dressed like the god of wealth to mark the Year of the Pig. Other lanterns involve the city's unique shikumen architecture(建筑）, typical dishes and folk culture. A series of lanterns promotes Shanghai brands. The 24 solar terms（节气） are displayed on some of the lanterns.
"It is the only event in Shanghai that makes me feel authentic Chinese elements and flavor(因素和味道)," said Thiery Sauvage from France who has lived by the garden for seven years.
The annual celebrations, which have been held for 24 years, have become the city's top attraction for tourists during Spring Festival. The month-long celebration attracts about 6 million visitors every year.
To ensure order and safety, the gates of the garden and the Zigzag Bridge will be closed when the number of visitors touches the 30,000 mark. Surveillance cameras(监管摄像）have been installed (安装) at the eight entrances.
Entry to the Yu Garden commercial complex will be 50 yuan(US$7.46) for adults and 30 yuan for children between February 15 and 18. On February 19, Lantern Festival, the fee will be 80 yuan for adults and 50 yuan for children.
